Climate controlled storage is the most logical choice when renting a space for your items. It offers you piece of mind in knowing that your valuables will be safe from any damage.
There are many things to consider when choosing a unit. Start with a temperature controlled unit and then make your checklist of what you need in the way of space and services.
What Is Climate Controlled Storage?
Climate controlled storage is best described as when the rental facility is equipped with either a heating or cooling system or both and the temperature is regulated at temperatures suitable for your region.
Why Does It Need To Be Climate Controlled Storage?
If you’ve ever had anything melt or warp in your attic during a hot summer season you already know this answer. If you live in a cold winter climate you also know what happens to pots and other glass items put into your outside storage shed with no insulation for the winter. It does not matter what region you live in, your weather will most certainly have some effect on your stored items if you do not have a climate controlled storage unit to maintain a steady temperature.
The Effects of Heat and Humidity To Your Storage Items
Hot and humid temperatures are a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew to form on your important papers, photographs, clothing, cloth furniture, etc. If you are fortunate 
enough to have a vinyl record collection you will most certainly need climate controlled storage. Extreme heat and humidity not only ruins your album covers, it damages your vinyl as well. What might have been worth a great deal of money will be ruined without temperature control to keep it safe. Even if you feel that your region is not extremely hot you will need to take into consideration that a storage unit will be at least 10 degrees hotter than the actual temperature.
Don’t Underestimate Cold Temperatures
By not having a heated storage unit you are exposing your stored items to elements that may damage them. Cold temperatures could draw moisture from your furniture causing shrinkage to the wood, cracks, damage to veneers, etc. Cold temperatures can cause damage to any appliances or computer equipment. It may also reach temperatures that will cause your glass items to shatter or crack. Your vinyl record collection is not safe under these circumstances either. Antiques, fine art, paintings, photographs and other items are an example of things that could be ruined by cold temperatures.
Things to Consider when Renting a Storage Unit
• Pricing: You will pay more for your climate controlled storage unit but it will be well worth the extra money to protect your belongings.
• Location: Is it beneficial to you to have your items there? Don’t choose a cheaper facility that’s farther away and then spend a great deal on gas money to get to it on a regular basis. It should be located near you for easy access.
• Access: You should be able to access your storage unit at any given moment. Many units offer fencing around them for safety and security and will provide a pass code for entry.
• Pavement vs. gravel: If you plan to make frequent visits to your storage unit you may want to consider selecting one with asphalt instead of gravel. Weather is always a factor and if your region has wet and cold weather you do not want the inconvenience of driving in or tracking mud to both your vehicle and your storage unit.
• Security: While many of these units are not manned 24 hours per day they should have well lit areas and other security measures such as video recordings to insure your safety and the security of your items.
• Size of Unit: Although many people cannot determine exactly how much space they will need, you should have a rough list of the big items that you will want to store when contacting a facility to rent a unit. This is their business and they can help you determine your needs.
• Length of Contract: How long do you plan to lease this storage unit?
• Storage: What will you store? The age old question when renting storage units for a lengthy amount of time has always been, “At what point do the fees paid exceed the value of the items being stored?” You should only store items that you intend to keep and that are valuable to you. If you plan to store for any length of time, perhaps it would be easier to replace some of these items later instead of paying for a larger unit to accommodate all of your items.
• Packing: Be sure to pack things so that they can be easily found. Put like items together and clearly mark the boxes or storage containers. As you are packing your items, evaluate them to see if you think it is wise to put them in storage or if it may be better to discard them now and replace them later in the event that they are needed.
• Movers: Whether you choose to move items with your friends or plan to hire professional movers you will want someone organized when you take items into your unit. It is very important to put the items in storage in a manner which is both using your space wisely and provides easy access to items of interest.
If you’ve read this and have determined that you indeed wish to rent a storage unit for your most treasured items, climate controlled storage is a must.
For more great tips on climate controlled storage check out this short YouTube video.
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